Karn, the all-time winningest coach in Minnesota State High School League baseball history, was quick to deflect any credit for his accomplishment after the game.

"I've said many times and I'll say it again: players win games, coaches are a part of the winning of games," Karn said. "It's a tribute to the players over the years and a tribute to the baseball in Central Minnesota."

The Crusaders returned just a few starters from their 2015 state championship team, leaving Karn in a position to do a little more teaching of fundamentals this season.

"Teaching requires patience and persistence," Karn said. "You have to allow people to make mistakes because baseball is a game of failure. Sometimes, coaches get a little more impatient then they should, but you have to allow people to allow the gifts and skills they have to reach the surface."

After the game, on an empty Dick Putz Field on a picture-perfect spring evening in Minnesota, Karn reflected on his career.

"I think of myself as a kid playing catch with my dad, and playing catch with my two brothers," Karn said. "Now, we help babysit my two little grandchildren and we play around in the yard with them."

"I think back to the time playing and how much fun it was, and I circle around to the fact that I'm 74, but I get to hang around with 17-year-olds and feel young every time I come to the ballpark."